John Anderson
John Anderson - A Famous Scottish Natural Philosopher,
John Anderson (1726-1796), was born at Roseneath, Argyll and Bute, in 1726. Anderson completed his education at the University of Glasgow where, in 1756, he was appointed professor of oriental languages. In 1760 he was appointed professor of natural philosophy and he began to spend more time in the study of physics publishing his textbook "Institutes of Physics" in 1786 which met with some success going through five editions in ten years.
John Anderson soon became known for his political views which were, at that time, considered radical. Outside of his work at the University he dedicated himself to the education of the "men of the working class" giving evening lectures. An open supporter of the French Revolution, Anderson, in 1791, presented a "the gift of Science to Liberty" to the National Convention, a new type of six pound gun which he had invented.
John Anderson died in Glasgow on the 13th of January 1796. His bequest, furtherance of technical and scientific education in Glasgow, enabled the creation of the Anderson's College (now part of Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College)
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